You don’t need to be told that you’ll gain weight during your pregnancy. When if first starts, you’ll be more excited about the bump than you will be worried about the added weight. But at some point you begin to wonder if you’re gaining too much or too little weight. Weight gain will depend on your weight and body mass index when you first get pregnant and will vary from person to person. Those who are underweight can expect to put on the most weight while those overweight should put on the least to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
“What is a pregnancy weight calculator?” is something you might be asking yourself. This tool will help you throughout your pregnancy to determine if you are properly gaining weight.
What is normal weight gain during pregnancy?
How to maintain weight during pregnancy
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy could signal medical problems such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Work with your doctor if you feel that you are not gaining enough weight or gaining too much weight. Your doctor may have a diet plan to suggest for you.
Working hard to maintain the ideal weight helps ensure that your baby will be healthy and that you’ll be able to take the pregnancy weight off easier in your postpartum months.
Blankenship says that the key to maintaining the ideal weight during pregnancy is to eat frequent, small meals. This will prevent you from gorging yourself and becoming more uncomfortable than you already are.
According to MedlinePlus, you should eat:
- 1,800 calories per day in the first trimester
- 2,200 calories per day in the second trimester
- 2,400 calories per day in the third trimester
Look for a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and be sure to maintain an exercise regimen. Your exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous — going for long walks or prenatal yoga are great exercise programs to start. Remember that most of the weight that you gain during pregnancy isn’t fat, but is part of growing a baby and necessary.
Here’s an average breakdown of what your pregnancy weight consists of:
- Baby: 8 pounds
- Placenta: 2 to 3 pounds
- Amniotic fluid: 2 to 3 pounds
- Breast tissue: 2 to 3 pounds
- Blood supply: 4 pounds
- Fat stores: 5 to 9 pounds
- Uterus growth: 2 to 5 pounds
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into growing your baby. Keep an eye on the big picture and do what you can to eat well and exercise to manage the upcoming weight gain.
